abrsm levels...are they universal

[mark1]

I am wondering if the abrsm levels are the standard for the developing pianist? I am an adult learner and I would like a guideline to follow other than the alfreds series. My intent is to develope a strong foundation and play mostly classical. Any help will be a big help. Thanks

[bernhard]

No.

ABRSM grades are just one amongst many standards. (Adn all are open to debate).

They all more or less agree, give or take one grade.

However, bear in mind that difficulties are very personal and subjective so you should not let a high grade stop you from trying a piece you really like (especially since you are an adult). All the same, you should not frown upon a piece because it is low grade. In fact there are some very beautiful pieces on the grades 4 – 6 level. For instance, amongst the grade 5 pieces for this year you will find Brahms waltz op. 39 no. 9, which really surprises me since I would probably rate it around grade 2 or 3. The reason is probably because it is a piece that is technically easy, but musically difficult. A child may play it badly, but an adult should be able to cope with it easily. In any case your teacher probably will be able to advise you much better than referring to some subjective grading system.

I would suggest that you adopt the following philosophy: There are no difficult pieces. There are only easy pieces and impossible pieces. And the way to make an impossible piece easy is to work on it correctly!

Since 1998 you can buy CDs with all of the ABRSM pieces for all grades. Listen to them. You will probably agree that the pieces below grade 3 are too dull to contemplate. On the other hand there are many interesting pieces grade 3 and above that should be manageable by any adult beginner.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.